Santa Ynez Valley Star July A 2020 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

July 7 - July 20, 2020

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Summerset Farm embraces social distancing with fun activities Berry picking, picnicking has people flocking to valley's agricultural gem Photo contributed Chef Anthony Endy combines the essence of California cuisine with the depth of flavor and heartiness of Western ranch cooking.

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ith wide open spaces and lots of room to get fresh air and fresh produce, people have been flocking to Summerset Farm in Santa Ynez, said farmer Sally Maher. “Kids can run through the rows of berry bushes and families have been coming to enjoy the afternoons outside and have picnics,” Maher said. Since the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted somewhat for outdoor gatherings, Maher said her farm has seen a steady increase in visitors even before its busy season starts in July. Summerset Farm is a little agricultural gem at Edison Street and Baseline Avenue, just off Highway 154, that offers great fresh produce and U-pick crops like raspberries, blackberries and more. This rustic and picturesque farm stand has been in the same location for 16 years, and Maher has been the proprietor for 13 years. Cultivating is her passion and she also runs the quaintly decorated farm stand, with freshly picked fruits and vegetables ready for purchase. But for those who want to experience a deeper connection with their food and nature, the farm allows customers to meander through the farm and pick their own seasonal berries, grapes and apples right from the garden. During the late spring and summer months, the farm stand offers raspberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, apricots and tomatoes, along with a variety of vegetables

Local chef beats Bobby Flay in showdown with tri-tip Alisal Guest Ranch's Anthony Endy shines on Food Network show By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

N Photo by Raiza Giorgi Summerset Farm manager Sally Maher talks about how to pick berries at her farm.

such as onions, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, four different varieties of potatoes, peppers, corn and sunflowers, which help keep the birds out of the berries. “There is also a sunflower maze this year

that people can go through. People want more outdoor adventures, especially with COVID-19, and they can definitely do that on our 20 acres here,” Maher laughed. SUMMERSET CONTINUED TO PAGE 13

ot many chefs have the honor of saying they “Beat Bobby Flay,” but Chef Anthony Endy earned that distinction on a recent episode of the Food Network’s popular cooking competition show. Even though the episode just aired in June, it was taped more than a year ago in April 2019. Endy said it was super hard to keep tightlipped until after it aired. “This was a great way to showcase our local area and signature style and I am so grateful for that opportunity,” he said. “Bobby Flay had a lot of influence on me as a young chef and getting to cook alongside him was so fun.” Endy said the timing couldn’t have been any better as the Alisal Guest Ranch opened LOCAL CHEF CONTINUED TO PAGE 12

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2 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Community input requested on local transportation reform Connected/Conectados 2050, offers county residents chance to voice concerns Staff Report

he Community Environmental Council (CEC), in partnership with Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and Just Communities, invites the community to participate in online and phone listening sessions as part of their Connected 2050/Conectados 2050 long-range planning effort. The public is invited to request a listening session by visiting the Connected2050. org (English) or Conectados2050.org (Spanish) website. The public can also sign up to get updates and give input by texting “CONNECT” to 833-956-0921. “Listening sessions are a chance for people to talk openly about their concerns, needs, and ideas to help us learn how we can improve access to safe and reliable transportation, housing, jobs, and supportive services in their community,” stated Alhan Diaz-Correa, one of CEC’s community ambassadors for Connected 2050/Conectados 2050. “Residents’ local knowledge and personal experiences are essential to incorporating equitable solutions in the county’s long-term plans.” Connected 2050 is an update of the Santa Barbara County region’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). The final Connected 2050 plan will provide recommendations to help the region’s cities and Santa Barbara County guide short term (3-5 years) and long-term (20+ years) planning efforts and policy decisions by providing a collective vision for the region’s future that balances transportation and housing needs with social, economic and environmental goals.

Public participation is a central component to the process and development of the Connected 2050 plan. The following series of public participation opportunities are available for the community to inform and influence final plans and recommendations in Connected 2050: June: Listening sessions will occur online or by phone through July to let people give input on how transportation, land-use, and local access to housing and jobs could be improved to better meet community needs. In a safe space of up to fifteen friends, family members, or other community groups, people can share their ideas, concerns, and questions with Connected/Conectados 2050 Community Ambassadors. All participants will also learn how Connected 2050 works and how it will affect the communities where we live and work. The sessions are offered in Spanish and English languages with interpretation experts from nonprofit organization Just Communities. July: The information gathered in listening sessions will help SBCAG staff create several possible plans that would improve transportation, land-use, and access to local housing and jobs. End of summer/early fall: SBCAG will host a series of community workshops to get public feedback on the proposed plans. These will then be consolidated into one proposed plan. June 2021: The public will be invited to give input on the proposed Connected 2050 plan during public hearings to ensure it strikes an equitable balance between social, economic, and environmental goals. August 2021: The final Connected 2050 plan will be adopted. The County of Santa Barbara and its cities will use the plan to guide local improvements for transportation, land-use, housing, and jobs access.

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Photo contributed The Lompoc Valley Medical Center's Comprehensive Care Center has again earned the maximum 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Lompoc’s Comprehensive Care Center repeats 5-Star performance By Nora Wallace

for Lompoc Valley Medical Center

ompoc Valley Medical Center’s Comprehensive Care Center has again achieved a 5-Star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CCC is a 110-bed skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation facility at 216 N. Third St. in Lompoc. The 5-Star designation is the highest level for which a facility can be graded by CMS. The CMS ratings range from one to five stars and are based on quality measures, health inspections and staffing. Nursing homes with 5-Star ratings are considered significantly above average in quality. “Our entire staff take pride in the work that is performed at the CCC, while providing individualized care to each resident,” said CCC administrator Lorraine Jones. The ratings are created to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes “more easily and to help identify areas about which (clients) may want to ask questions,” according to the CMS. The Comprehensive Care Center was also named last year in the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of Best Nursing Homes in

the U.S. Of the 15,000 such facilities evaluated, 2,969 earned the top designation, including the CCC. In 2019, the facility received the Bronze American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Quality Award. This award was received for a process initiated to ensure the reduction of urinary tract infections among skilled nursing residents. The CCC has been honored in other ways as well this year. Because of its outstanding efforts to engage residents and the community, the CCC’s annual Trick or Treat event was selected by the California Association of Health Facilities as a 2020 Showcase Award Winner. This month, the CCC received notification that it was also the recipient of the Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award in the category of Quality/Patient Care Delivery. The honor was bestowed for a multidisciplinary effort to reduce the level of infections among residents. The effort utilized the work of the CCC’s infection preventionist, nutritionist, dietary department, activities department and all the nursing staff. For information on the facility, call 805-7363466 or visit https://lompocvmc.com/locations/ ccc.

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Solvang City Councilman Chris Djernaes target of citizen-led recall effort By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

group of Solvang residents has initiated a recall effort to remove Councilman Chris Djernaes from office, citing his alleged disdain for constituents, disrespect to city staff and disregard for state open meeting laws. Djernaes, whose term expires in 2022, was presented with the recall notice on June 16 according to organizer Lammy Johnstone. City Manager Xenia Bradford, who also serves as city clerk, was presented with the paperwork on the next day, Johnstone added. Serving the paperwork is the first step File photo of the process, which includes collectNew Solvang City Councilman Chris Djernaes has been a relentless critic of previous city officials, staff and community organizations, alleging financial improprieties and outright corruption ing signatures of registered voters in order to qualify the recall measure for ment of a number employees of the city naes pressed prosecutors about who had the November ballot. of Solvang both inside and outside of reported the alleged violations, prompt“I’m going to try my darnedest,” City Council meetings,” the notice of ing a warning from the office. Johnstone said. “I don’t see why it’s not recall states. In a letter to Solvang officials, Depupossible. I have never seen this place so During public meetings, Djernaes ty District Attorney Casey Nelson said angry. I mean, they’re fed up.” frequently derides former council people have “a fundamental right to Djernaes did not respond to a request members, previous city managers and complain about, and to, their governfor comment about the recall effort as city staff, despite a nondisparagement ment. They also have a right to be free of Thursday. clause in at least one contract, potenfrom reprisals for doing so.” There are about 3,700 registered tially leaving Solvang at risk of litigavoters in Solvang, and recall supportFPPC review of loan tion over the matter. ers need signatures from roughly 25 Djernaes is being investigated by At a May meeting, where multiple percent of them. the California Fair Political Practices residents opposed a commercial develJohnstone said they are aiming for Commission for allegedly failing to reopment project that would demolish the the November ballot, when other City port a personal loan in his campaign-reSolvang Veterans Memorial Building, Council seats are up for election, since lated forms. one speaker noted that Djernaes did not it would avoid a costly special election. He has claimed multiple times appear to be paying attention to public Former Sheriff Jim Thomas has that the FPPC completed its review and comment and was openly laughing. already tossed his hat into the ring as a found no wrongdoing. At the same meeting, he could be possible replacement for Djernaes if the “It simply required me to amend my heard apparently referring to the resirecall measure gets onto the ballot. Form 700 because they themselves dents’ comments as “nonsense.” The official recall notice alleges that weren’t clear on the rules,” Djernaes Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint has Djernaes’ actions and statements have said at the end of a June meeting. tried to limit Djernaes’ comments at shown “a blatant disregard for the “Ironically enough, my case helped the several recent meetings, saying more Ralph M. Brown (Open Meetings) Act FPPC clarify their own rules, and that’s than once, “Chris, stop.” and the council’s protocols regarding now put to bed.” At a June meeting, when Djernaes simple rules of common courtesy.” Jay Wierenga, the FPPC’s commutried to argue with a speaker during “Djernaes’ failures to be respectful nications director, told Noozhawk this public comment, Toussaint asked him and civil include, but are not limited week that the case remains open. to stop. When Djernaes kept talking, to, his obvious disdain of constitu“Generally speaking, if someone Toussaint added, “No, you need to ents; mockery of speakers at City updates, corrects and/or provides the Council meetings; blatant disregard for stop.” The resident responded, “See, information requested, that is a good that’s why you’re getting recalled.” the wishes of the voters; disrespectful thing as compliance is our main goal, When City Council actions led to remarks directed toward both current and former City Council members; fre- allegations of Brown Act violations and which gives the public the information they deserve,” Wierenga said, adding an investigation by the Santa Barbara quent defamation of organizations and individuals; and bullying and harassCounty District Attorney’s Office, Djer- that he could not comment on what the

Enforcement Division would do in a specific case. As Noozhawk and the Santa Ynez Valley Star reported in January, Djernaes, whose full name is Niels Christian Djernaes, failed to report a personal loan on paperwork he submitted to the FPPC. Details of the loan became public when a former friend, Meghan McCarthy, now of Yuba City, filed a smallclaims case in November in Santa Maria Superior Court after Djernaes allegedly stopped making payments on the loan. A conditional settlement agreement, filed with the court and signed by both McCarthy and Djernaes, says the defendant agreed to pay it back, including $3,800 “to honor extra money borrowed over 10,000,” since $10,000 is the cap for small-claims court awards. While court documents indicate the loan was more than $10,000, on the FPPC forms, Djernaes checked a box claiming the loan amount was between $1,000 and $10,000 for both 2018 and 2019. In February, Djernaes filed an amended form, saying the personal loans totaled $9,000 and were used for campaign-related expenses from his campaign account. He also claimed that he “did not know and did not believe I had to report these funds.” “To be clear, at no time did I attempt to circumvent the law. As a first-time filer of Form 700, I was simply ignorant of the process,” he wrote. Form 700 spells out that public officials do not have to report credit card transactions, but states, “Personal loans and loans received not in a lender’s regular course of business must be disclosed as follows” with slots for identifying the lender, amount and terms. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. The online version of this story will be updated at www.santaynezvalleystar.com

4 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

Public comment sought Applicants sought for on habitat plan county redistricting panel citizens can sign up by Aug. for SoCalGas activities Interested 21 to be considered for commission Fish and Wildlife Service opened 45-day window for comment June 19

tiger salamander, California red-legged

Staff Report

ry, habitat conservation plan coordinator

he U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP) and environmental assessment for operation and maintenance of existing Southern California Gas Company pipelines in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The draft HCP is a planning document that promotes the conservation of 41 federally endangered, threatened or rare plant and animal species, while providing for continued operation and maintenance of existing pipelines across 10,603 square miles in southern and central California. “Through this collaborative approach, SoCalGas will commit to carrying out conservation measures that minimize and offset potential impacts of operation and maintenance activities on rare animal and plant species, including the California

for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in

frog, Least Bell’s vireo, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, and Braunton’s milk-vetch,” said Rachel Hen-

Ventura. A notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on June 19, opening a 45-day public comment period. Information on how to submit comments are available at https://www.federalregister.gov/ by searching under docket number FWS–R8–ES–2019–N150. The Fish and Wildlife Service regularly engages conservation partners, the public, landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders in our ongoing effort to identify innovative strategies for conserving and recovering protected wildlife, plants, and their habitats.

Staff Report

esidents of Santa Barbara County who are interested in and qualified to serve as a commissioner on the “You Draw the Lines” County of Santa Barbara Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission have until 5 p.m. Aug. 21 to apply. In the November 2018 statewide election, Santa Barbara County voters approved Measure G, which establishes an 11-person Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission to adjust the boundaries of the county supervisorial districts through an open and transparent process in accordance with federal and state criteria. The commission will be tasked with establishing the electoral district boundaries in Santa Barbara County for the upcoming decade following receipt of the 2020 federal census data, currently scheduled to be received in late March 2021. Applicants meeting the qualifications will be posted online for public review. Following the application deadline of August 21, the County Elections Official will select the 45 most qualified applicants based

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on the criteria and qualifications detailed in the ordinance, whose names will be posted online for 30 days for members of the public to view before a random drawing to select five commissioners. Those five commissioners will then pick another five members and one at-large member to complete the commission. The selection process is designed to produce a commission that is independent from the influence of the board, political parties, campaign contributors or other special financial interests, and is reasonably representative of the county’s diversity. To apply for the Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission, please review the qualifications and criteria posted with the application at www.countyofsb.org/redistricting. Applicants will be required to submit a printed copy of their completed application with an original signature no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. For information about county government, go to www.CountyofSB.org.

For those seeking exceptional results 6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Congratulations to The Brady Group and Patty Murphy for the successful closing of Travelers’ Farm in Santa Ynez. Last Asking Price: $8,900,000

The Brady Group santaynezland.com | 805.391.0587 Patty Murphy pattymurphy.com | 805.680.8571 Sotheby’s International Realty — Santa Ynez Valley Brokerage | sothebysrealty.com © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. The Brady Group DRE: 825140, Patty Murphy DRE: 766586

July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY BROKERAGE | 2900 NOJOQUI AVENUE | LOS OLIVOS, CA 93441 | SIR.COM © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Mike Brady: 825140 | Micah Brady: 1219166 | Jennifer Nation: 1217818 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Lauren Daniels: 2015901 | Kristi Curtis: 2012866 | Robert Heckes: 01723319 |

8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Cottage Health taps Sandra Lood for VP position Staff Report

ottage Health has named Sandra Lood as vice president of revenue cycle. In this role, she leads the operational oversight and strategic direction of the revenue cycle process, including the patient access, health information management and patient financial services departments. With the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lood has been instrumental in locating government assistance programs, including Covered California plans, to help uninsured patients cover the cost of treatments for the virus. Lood joined Cottage Health in 2019 as the director of revenue integrity. Prior to coming to Santa Barbara, she was

the manager of patient financial services at Northwestern Medicine and also held various roles in revenue integrity and decision support at Northwest Community Hospital in suburban Chicago. A graduate of National Louis University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in applied behavioral sciences, Lood is working toward her Master of Science in leadership at Pepperdine University. “We congratulate Sandra on her new role as vice president of revenue cycle,” said Brett Tande, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer for Cottage Health. “Her experience and knowledge in patient access and financial services will assure our mission to implement best practices to better serve our community.” Photo contributed Sandra Lood

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Montecito Bank & Trust names two new board members Staff Report

iri Marshall and Joshua Rabinowitz have been appointed to the Montecito Bank & Trust Board of Directors. “Montecito Bank & Trust has made significant and strategic investments in our Board of Directors over the past several years and these two appointments further demonstrate the commitment of our leadership to the future growth, stability and longevity of our bank,” said Janet Garufis, the bank’s chairman/CEO. “With wide-ranging experience in corporate and business law, both Siri and Josh bring a focused and knowledgeable approach to leadership that complements the experience and skills of our current board members. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are extremely excited to welcome them, and I am confident their commitment to personal and professional excellence will serve Montecito Bank & Trust well as we deliver on our promise to make the communities we serve better places to live and work.” Marshall retired from General Mills as the SVP, general counsel, secretary and chief governance and compliance officer after a 34-year career in corporate law and government affairs. Before that, she held positions with Avon Products and Debevoise & Plimpton law firm in New York. Marshall’s record of board positions includes current roles with Equifax and Manchester Capital Management, and prior positions with Ameriprise Financial, Alphatec Holdings and NovaCare. Complementing her corporate board roles, she is also active on several nonprofit boards, including

Direct Relief, the Yale Center for Corporate Law and the Yale Law School Fund. “I have long admired Montecito Bank & Trust’s commitment to our community and its consistent support for local businesses, individuals and our many nonprofit organizations. I look forward to being part of this dedicated and innovative team,” Marshall said. Rabinowitz is an attorney practicing at the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, and has been in practice in Santa Barbara since moving back with his wife in 2000. He specializes in representing businesses and individuals in their real estate, business and related legal needs. “I had the privilege of knowing and working with Michael Towbes for almost 20 years. He was very proud of Montecito Bank & Trust’s accomplishments in our community,” Rabinowitz said of his new board post. “I am honored to join the Board of Directors, work with an incredible management team, and do my part to continue Mike’s amazing legacy,” he said. Montecito Bank & Trust is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank celebrated its 45th anniversary on March 17. It operates 11 branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo and Westlake Village. Montecito Bank & Trust has a history of corporate philanthropy in the communities it serves, annually donating $1.5 million and volunteering more than 7,500 hours to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Santa Barbara city, county awarded federal grants for rental relief By Alma Maldonado

for California Rental Housing Association

he city and county of Santa Barbara are among local municipalities across California that have been given federal grants that serve as an immediate source of rent for low- and moderate-income renters, who are undergoing immense financial pressure amid this global health pandemic. Recently, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) issued COVID-19 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to multiple cities and counties that are home to millions of California renters. HUD entitlement cities and counties can use the COVID-19 CDBG funds to help low- and moderate-income households pay up to three months’ rent. In addition, California received $19 million from HUD for non-entitlement smaller cities and counties. Also, under the CARES Act, the usual 15% limitation for use of funds for “services” has been waived. Cities and counties may reprogram existing CDBG funds for renter assistance. “The new federal funding is an opportunity to provide renter relief during this crisis and ease the financial strain of both renters and rental property owners who rely on rents to pay their operating and maintenance costs,” said Jack Schwartz, legislative chair for the California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA).

“We encourage local cities and counties to quickly act on using these funds as rental assistance because financial support is immediately needed for millions of Californians,” he said. “Helping renters pay their rent now will help keep Californians sheltered in place and avoid future possible homelessness.” Residential rental property owners in the state are working alongside renters to find financial agreements that work for both parties, leaving property owners with a limited monthly income but with the same financial obligations. Rental housing providers understand the burden many renters are encountering, as they themselves face financial challenges at home. Owners of small rental properties rely on rent payments to pay for property taxes, mortgage payments, utility bills, maintenance repairs and insurance payments. Additionally, many rental property owners live month-to-month; others have lost full time jobs and/or have been inflicted with or are caring for someone inflicted with COVID-19. The California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) has also proposed a statewide Renter Assistance Program, which would provide up to three months of rental assistance for renters experiencing financial loss due to COVID-19. If implemented, the program would receive funding through the state, using federal and/or state funds, to stabilize the rental housing industry and protect renters facing financial hardship while staying sheltered-in-place.

How is COVID-19 affecting those with type 1 diabetes? SDRI researchers seeking survey participants Staff Report

ansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) announces the creation of a new study, Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and is currently accepting research survey participants. SDRI is seeking to understand the current needs of the population with type 1 diabetes in the United States by means of voluntary, anonymous baseline and follow-up surveys. Researchers at SDRI hope to determine the extent to which this pandemic has hindered the type 1 community from access to medical attention, insulin and other diabetes supplies. They say they also want to understand the warranted fears, concerns, worries and experiences of people living with type 1 diabetes, a designated high-risk pre-existing condition, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are a variety of issues that can potentially affect people with type 1 in this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Kristin Castorino, principal investigator at SDRI, who was assisted in creating the survey

by SDRI’s staff epidemiologist, Stefany Olague, and research coordinator, Gal Haroush. “We want to better understand the experiences of our type 1 community during the pandemic. If we identify common problems, we are better positioned to craft solutions that are targeted and appropriate.” A unique aspect of the survey is that it is designed to be taken more than once, so as people’s experiences change over time, they are able to provide their updated experience. “It’s a way for us to continue our mission work during the COIVID-19 pandemic,” added Castorino. “People can complete the survey from the safety of their home.” You will find a link to the survey on the Sansum website: https://www.sansum.org/ covid-19-and-t1d-survey/. Anyone with type 1 diabetes, regardless of their age, living anywhere in the United States, is invited to participate in the survey. Parents of children with type 1 can complete the survey on their children’s behalf. Visit www.sansum.org for more information about SDRI’s Diabetes Emergency Response Program, which includes frequently updated COVID-19 and diabetes resources.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

USDA increases monthly SNAP benefits by 40% Staff Report

ecretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and three U.S. territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. These emergency benefits represent a 40 percent increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits, significantly increasing food purchasing power for American families. “These are unprecedented times for American families who are facing joblessness and hunger. USDA is providing a 40 percent increase in SNAP benefits to ensure that low-income individuals have enough food to feed themselves and their families during this national emergency,” said Perdue. “President Trump is taking care of America’s working-class families who have been hit hard with economic distress due to the coronavirus. Ensuring all households receive the maximum allowable SNAP benefit is an important part of President Trump’s whole of America response to the coronavirus.” Currently, a household with two adults, three children, and no income can receive the maximum benefit of $768. However, due to reportable income and other factors, the average five-person household receives significantly less – $528. These emergency benefits would provide the average five-person household an additional $240 monthly in food purchasing power, bringing the average household up to the same benefit level as households already receiving the maximum.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law by President Trump, provided for the issuance of emergency allotments in response to COVID-19. Across the United States, emergency allotments total nearly $2 billion per month, which is in addition to approximately $4.5 billion in benefits already provided to SNAP households each month. All SNAP households that are eligible to receive less than the maximum benefit will receive the emergency allotment supplement to bring them up to the maximum. By law, SNAP households are not permitted to receive more than the maximum allotment. SNAP emergency allotments allow states to raise benefits to the maximum amount for the household’s size for up to two months, and USDA is providing additional guidance today to states that want to further extend these emergency allotments month by month as prescribed by the law. These actions and more are part of USDA’s focus on service during the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information on the many actions FNS has taken to respond to COVID-19, visit www. fns.usda.gov/coronavirus or follow us @ USDANutrition. FNS administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

Sansum offers video series on managing COVID-19-related stress

Dr. Jay Winner hosts series that can be found on YouTube Staff Report

tress during the coronavirus pandemic is at an all-time high. A recent study conducted by the Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression. In a direct response to this alarming picture of the psychological toll caused by COVID-19, and in an effort to assist the emotional well-being of patients, employees and community members, Sansum Clinic in June launched an 11-episode stress management video series on YouTube with family medicine physician Jay Winner, M.D., FAAFP. “It is imperative that we address how stress from the global pandemic is impacting our emotional and physical health,” said Winner. “My hope is that this series gives people real tools to help them better manage stress now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the future.”

Each episode of the series examines a different aspect of stress and how it can be reduced. Winner explains the causes of stress, and how practices such as mindfulness, meditation, reframing your perspective and the management of difficult emotions can all lower the angst and distress felt by so many. Learning a variety of skills to effectively deal with stress is important for improving one’s health, relationships, and performance at work and school, according to Dr. Winner. A physician with Sansum Clinic for nearly 30 years, Winner founded the clinic’s stress reduction program in 1992 and authored the book “Relaxation on the Run.” He has taught stress reduction techniques to a wide variety of groups, including health professionals, for many years. His website stressremedy.com is an important resource for patients and for anyone battling the negative health effects of stress. To view the stress management series on Sansum Clinic’s YouTube channel, click the below link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNFQvgd3RVc&list=PLsLuG3b09LDCnEAMxB28SxF5zGsOlfieU

July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

In anticipation of new lion, SB Zoo looks back

Several lions have called Santa Barbara home over the past 50 years Staff Report

n anticipation of new arrivals, Zoo offers a retrospective of its history of lions over the past 50 years As the Santa Barbara Zoo looks ahead, carefully laying out plans to safely reopen, it is looking forward to welcoming some new additions to Santa Barbara — African lions! While the zoo remains closed, it’s taking this opportunity to reflect back on its long history of caring for lions and offering a fun and educational retrospective for the public to enjoy, in anticipation of its new lions. “We’re bursting with ‘pride’ to welcome these new lions to Santa Barbara,” said Rich Block, President/CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. “It’s during times like this that we build hope and strength in our future, and we know these new additions will bring so much joy and happiness to our community.” The zoo’s first lion was a male named Dandylion, who arrived in 1970. He was later joined by a female companion, Dolly, in

Photo contributed The zoo's first lion was a male named Dandylion, who arrived in 1970. He was later joined by a female companion, Dolly, in 1973. Dandylion passed away in 1984.

1973. Dandylion passed away in 1984. In 1985, the zoo acquired a pair of 10-week-old siblings from Oregon who were hand-raised by zoo staff. A public naming

contest was held and the winners were Paka (for the male) and Kali (for the female, short for Kalahari). Paka lived until 2001. That same year, construction began on the

zoo’s new “Cats of Africa” exhibit, which opened in March 2003. At that time, Kali was the zoo’s only lion, so to create a new pride, two young lions, both born in 1998, were brought in: Chadwick (from the Indianapolis Zoo) and Kariba (from Zoo Atlanta) in December 2002. Kariba died in 2003 due to a pre-existing medical condition, just before the arrival of Gingerbread, from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas. Chadwick and Gingerbread had two offspring, Kiki (born in 2004, now at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo) and Docha (born in 2005, now at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich.). Kali died at the age of 22 in 2007, one of the longest-lived lions in zoos at that time. Gingerbread died at age 18 in 2017, and Chadwick died at age 21 in December 2019. As the Zoo approaches reopening, and looks forward to introducing the new lions, it will be sharing fun lion facts and trivia on its social media channels. The community is encouraged to visit their website sbzoo.org as well as their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter). Those who wish to help welcome the new lions and support the Zoo during the closure may become African lion Foster Feeders through the Zoo’s website.

In Loving Memory Norman Kjaer Anderson passed away at home from a heart attack on June 27, 2020. Norm was 89 years old and a long-time resident of Solvang and Santa Barbara.

Norman was born in Waukesha, WI to Marie and Henry Anderson on June 25, 1931. He grew up in Waukesha where he played high school football and earned Eagle Scout honors. In 1954 he graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin where he was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Norm married Leah Peckat and moved to Santa Barbara in 1963. After Leah’s death, he married Barbara Engel in 1978. Norman was a hard-working, successful entrepreneur. Before leaving Wisconsin, he established his own cheese import and distribution company. In California he owned and operated several businesses locally including: Mattei’s Tavern, Old Danish Food Farm Inc., Solvang Fudge Kitchen, and others.

Norman Kjaer Anderson (1931 - 2020)

For over 64 years Rotary International was an integral part of Norm’s life. He first joined in Waukesha at the age of 25. Later he became president of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara and founded the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise. While serving as the District Governor of District 5240, he established the district’s first PRLS Program and was a director of the International Rose Parade Float Committee. Throughout his tenure Norm attended 29 International Conventions, received 5 Paul Harris Fellow awards, and had perfect meeting attendance for 64 years. He was most recently a member of the Rotary Club of Los Olivos. Norm had strong Christian values. At Trinity Lutheran Church in

Santa Barbara, he was a long-time parishioner and served as the chairman of the building committee of the church ‘s current location. Later, he joined St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir and served on the Vestry. Norm the “Big Cheese” was known for his contagious smile, loving and warm personality, passion for travel, his philanthropic spirit, gentle demeanor and positive attitude. The holidays were always special to him, but most important was his family. One of his favorite summer adventures was his annual trip to Door County, Wisconsin with Barbara. There Norm continued to fulfill his life-long love of boats and the water. He had an incredible number of friends, with whom he loved to laugh and share stories. He was extremely fond of his involvement in the Vikings of Solvang and was proud to have once served as the Grand Marshall of Solvang’s 4th of July Parade. Norm is survived by his wife of 42 years Barbara; his four children: Amy (Michael) Mayfield, Barry (Kerry) Anderson, Allison (Don) Heiduk, Maurine (Trey) McAdams, 10 grandchildren (Addison, Kyle, Delaney Mayfield, Eric Norman (Allie) and Ryan Anderson, Timothy and Riley Heiduk, Taylor, Hayley, and Peyton McAdams) and 2 great-grandchildren (Adriana and Aria Anderson). He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Priscilla Anderson Richmond, brother Henning Anderson, first wife Leah Peckat Anderson and son Peter Jay Anderson. A service and celebration of Norman’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Rotary Club of Los Olivos Foundation, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, and the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation.

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Coining a seasonal term: The dog days of summer

By John Copeland

s months go, July is a little unusual. Most of the other months of the year are named for either gods, goddesses, festivals or numbers. July is one of two months named for an actual person, in this case Gaius Julius Caesar. The other is August, which honors Julius Caesar’s great nephew and the first Roman emperor, Gaius Octavius, better known in history as Caesar Augustus. How did this happen? Well, all the months of our calendar were handed down to us by the Romans. July was originally the fifth month of the ancient Roman calendar and named Quintilis, which is Latin for “fifth.” During his rule, Caesar reformed the Roman calendar, because its inaccuracies had, over time, allowed the months to drift out of sync with the seasons; January, for example, fell in autumn. Caesar’s reformation created the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the Gregorian calendar we use today, and was more closely synced to the year’s seasons. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 B.C., the Roman Senate renamed the month Quintilis to Julius. Caesar had been born during the month of Quintilis, so for the Senate it was the natural choice for honoring him. July is also when the hot, sultry “dog days” of summer begin. I’m sure for just about everybody the phrase “the dog days of summer” conjures up the image of summertime’s hottest, most sultry days. Today, many people believe the dog days are a reference to the conspicuous laziness of domesticated dogs and humans “dogging” around, or being “dog tired” during hot summer days. As quaint as these sayings are, these phrases have nothing to do with the original meaning of the dog days, but over time they have become part of our common vernacular. The Romans called the dog days, in Latin, “diēs caniculārēs.” According to John Brady’s history of our calendar, “Clavis Calendarium,” printed 1813, the Romans believed it to be an evil time “when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies (frenzies).” In reality, the dog days refer to the days when the star Sirius is brightest in our sky and rose and set with the sun. If you get up early in the morning during July through early August, go outside and watch the sunrise, you will see both the sun and Sirius climbing into the heavens. The ancient Romans and Greeks called

Sirius the “Dog Star” because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog). They also noticed that the hottest days of the year occurred during the conjunction of Sirius and the sun. It makes sense that the name of the Dog Star, in ancient Greek, “Serios,” means “scorching.” They incorrectly assumed that Sirius and the sun were acting in league to create “days of great heat.” But, the dog days, when Sirius rises with the sun, are not the hottest days of the year. Our summer heat is not caused by the added radiation from far-away Sirius, regardless of its brightness. Warm summer weather is a direct result of Earth’s tilt on its axis. During the summer months, the position of the Northern Hemisphere allows the rays of sunlight strike it more directly. Because Earth’s oceans heat up and cool down slowly, it takes time for the summer sunlight to have a warming effect. In July, the oceans are still cool from the winter and that delays peak summer heat by about a month and a half. In ancient Egypt, the Nile River flooded each year, usually beginning in late June. The people welcomed this event, called the Inundation, because the floodwaters brought rich soil needed to grow crops in what was otherwise a desert. No one in Egypt knew exactly when the flooding would start, but they noticed a coincidence that gave them a clue: The water began to rise on the days when Sirius began to rise before the Sun. The ancient Egyptians called Sirius “Sothis.” Sothis and the Inundation became so important to the Egyptians’ survival that they began their new year with the new moon that followed the star’s first appearance on the eastern horizon. Today, the Dog Star rises later than it did in ancient times. Its ascension no longer coincides with the start of the Nile flood, which incidentally, no longer occurs, because the river is now controlled by the Aswan Dam. The change is due to the very slow wobble of Earth’s axis the stars in our night sky shift independently of our calendar seasons. The shift is about 1 degree every 50 years. The term for this is the precession of the equinoxes. The constellations we see in the night sky, today, have moved roughly 41 degrees from their positions in the sky in ancient times. Sirius still makes its appearance during hot summer days. But today, the dog days of ancient Rome are not the dog days for us. Roughly 13,000 years from now, the conjunction of Sirius and the sun will not even occur during the summer. Sirius will then be rising with the sun in mid-winter. Then, we may be referring to the dog days of winter. But for now, most of us see the dog days as the start to our vacations.

o LOCAL CHEF CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1

Chef Bobby Flay and local Chef Anthony Endy of The Alisal Guest Ranch compete on the Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay.

Thursday and people have been calling since the show aired to book reservations. The Santa Ynez Valley native returned home to become the executive chef at the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in 2017. He combines the essence of California cuisine with the depth of flavor and heartiness of Western ranch cooking. Endy said a coworker loves “Beat Bobby Flay” and encouraged him to sign up. Within a month, Endy and his wife Bethany were in New York City at the end of April last year to tape the segment. “I am pretty competitive, but I’ve never really watched competitive cooking shows,” he said. “This was definitely a unique experience and I had a lot of fun. I would do it again.” Each half-hour episode begins with two chefs competing to create a dish using an ingredient chosen by Flay. Endy and Chef Ian Rough from Ocean Prime and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants were both given walnuts as the ingredient. The winner of that challenge – as determined by a special guest judges Rea Drummond (host of the Food Network’s “The Pioneer Woman”) and NFL star Eddie Jackson – went to the second round, in which they do battle against chef Flay. Endy won that challenge by doing a walnut crusted chicken and walnut pomegranate sauce. “Chef Rough gave me a run for my money and he is an excellent chef, but I am glad I won,” Endy laughed. Endy said that Flay is kept in the dark about the identity of the chefs he is competing against and the recipes they will be challenging him with. “It’s very true to the show that he is surprised with the dish and has to come up with a menu on the spot,” he said. “I know that grilling is his wheelhouse, but so is mine.” Endy has spent years perfecting the oak barbecue and Santa Maria-style cooking. He often hosts barbecue bootcamps at the Alisal for people to learn grilling techniques. “Being able to grow up in the best wine country and the best area for culinary arts was to my advantage,” Endy said. “We have so many amazing styles of cooking and I,

This is Chef Anthony Endy's signature tri-tip sandwich he made to "Beat Bobby Flay" on the Food Network program.

like most others in the area, grew up on Santa Maria-style cooking.” Endy said that he felt confident in being able to get his food prepped and cooked within the 45-minute time. As he was cooking, he was talking with Dummond and Jackson and said that they were very nice. “I only was able to plate for the three blind judges, so Ree was sad she wasn’t able to taste my sandwich,” Endy said. “I sent her one after the taping and we have been in contact ever since.” Endy said after the episode aired he has been barraged by phone calls and emails from former coworkers, longtime friends and family. He was so thankful people watched the show and even more thankful that he is now back at work with his staff. “Since COVID-19 shut us down, I did barbecues on my own with my wife helping, but I definitely missed having my staff and being in my kitchen,” he said. The past several weeks have been incredibly busy as Endy and his team have been retraining for COVID-19 protocols and ensuring safety of their staff and customers. He also enjoyed spending time at home teaching his kids cooking skills and coming up with new recipes to try. For those wanting to watch the episode on the Food Network, it is Season 25, Episode 05 “So Much Shade.” For more information, log onto www.alisal. com. To make a reservation, email reservations@alisal.com.

July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

o SUMMERSET CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1

Summerset Farm manager Sally Maher makes delicious preserves with the fruit from the farm.

From late summer through fall the farm offer pumpkins, gourds, squash and apples. In addition to that variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, the farm stand offers local honey, jams made by Maher, pickles, juices, lavender pouches, holiday decorations such as fancy gourds, and plant fertilizer. There are also several beehives around the property with an observation hive inside the farm stand where visitors can view the comings and goings of the bees and their pollen collection activities.

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Reagan, 7, and Sloane, 5, Giorgi of Buellton enjoyed a morning of picking raspberries at Summerset Farm in Santa Ynez.

There is a sunflower maze and other fun social distancing activities at Summerset Farm in Santa Ynez.

“This is a great place to work. I get up every morning and I am happy to go to work,” Maher said. “That’s important in life. It’s a pleasure to meet and greet the customers. Every year is different – I get to plant different things in the garden. I have the most beautiful office in the valley. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days in such a glorious environment doing what I love.” Summerset Farm is at 3450 Baseline Ave. in Santa Ynez. For more information, call 805245-0989 or find it on Facebook.

Summer produce like corn and onions are available at Summerset Farm.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Vikings donate $5,000 to Buellton Senior Center for food aid

Staff Report

o meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buellton Senior Center has nearly tripled the number of meals it provides daily throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos and has taken on new responsibilities for feeding the hungry. In response, the Vikings of Solvang have donated $5,000 to support the center’s efforts. “Our mission is to help qualified local people and organizations with their medically related needs,” said Vikings Chief Richard Kline, “and in this case, helping to keep people healthy when they would otherwise go hungry is completely fitting. Nutrition in a time of hunger is clearly a medically related need.” Senior Center Executive Director Pam Gnekow said that in the first three weeks after community-wide COVID-19 closures began on March 9, the center began serving 324 lunches per day instead of its average of 133. “At the same time we had to close our Thrift Store, our main source of income, and reduce payroll,” Gnekow said. “We couldn’t do it without the Vikings. The Vikings always come through for us.” In addition to delivering the Meals on Wheels

Photo by Paul Mathies Presenting the Vikings donation to Executive Director Pam Gnekow, second from right, at the Buellton Senior Center are, from left, Chief Richard Kline, Charity Committee Chairman Max Hanberg, and Treasurer Rick Krost.

lunches, the center is providing prepared meals for community distribution twice a week at St. Mark’s Church and has delivered more than 87,000 pounds of fresh produce to seniors who cannot shop safely during the pandemic. The Vikings of Solvang have quietly provid-

ed $3 million in aid since the group was founded in 1974, solely on the strength of tax-deductible donations from Vikings members and others in the community. About $1 million of the total has been given to individuals. The other $2 million has been donated to organizations

such as local senior centers or spent on the Vikings’ annual Christmas party for special-needs children and their teachers in northern Santa Barbara County. The group has zero overhead costs because it has no employees or office, and members pay for all operating costs — so every penny donated goes directly to helping someone. Each donation is invested in a carefully managed endowment fund, which has allowed the group to maximize each dollar donated by earning interest on it. Only a portion of the interest from the endowment, not the principal, can be spent each year, so donations to the fund help in perpetuity. Vikings grants have helped local people build wheelchair ramps, get prosthetic limbs, buy disabled-accessible vehicles, pay their insurance deductibles and fulfill many other needs. The group also operates two large blood drives each year and provides each donor with a $25 gift voucher for dinner at a local restaurant. To apply for a grant from the Vikings, donate to the group’s endowment fund, or get other information, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc. com or contact Chief Richard Kline at rskcom@aol.com or 213-716-1111.

Local Rotary Clubs unite, donate $33,500 to nonprofits Staff Report

ith the COVID-19 virus altering life the community, many residents have found themselves unable to provide basic needs for themselves and their family. In turn, local nonprofits have stepped up and are working hard to meet the huge surge in demand, but with the loss of many nonprofits main revenue stream – thrift stores – many of these organizations are also struggling. However, the four Rotary Clubs in the Santa Ynez Valley – Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang – have united together contributing a total of $33,500 to local nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits selected are doing outreach in the community, feeding hundreds of people daily with prepared meals and produce bags. These include home bound seniors and children out of school. These organizations also help getting medications delivered, sewn masks and other needs. Ten nonprofits received funding are Atterdag at Home, Bethania Lutheran Church, Buellton Senior Center, Los Alamos Senior Center, Ranch Church, Recovery Outreach,

Solvang School PTO, Solvang Senior Center, SYV People Helping People and United Boys & Girls Club. Rotary believes in the adage of “Service Above Self.” Every Rotary Club has 5 Avenues of Service where they are tasked with serving their community as well as helping with International projects. The power of Rotary is profound with its commitment to eradicating polio around the world. Rotary International has grown to 1.2 million members comprised of professional and business leaders in over 35,000 clubs in 200 countries. In the Santa Ynez Valley, there are 100 Rotary Club members in four clubs; Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang. These clubs are part of Rotary District 5240. For more information or to learn how to get involved, go to the district website: www. rotarydistrict5240.org

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Can you put these mixed-up beaver facts in the correct order? ÂŠ 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

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Sometimes there are things you want in life that are not possible right now. For example, maybe you want to buy something that is expensive. If you are serious about that purchase, make buying it a goal. In order to reach that goal, be like Buddy. Make a list of small steps or small goals that would help you reach your big goal.

EXAMPLE: Angie wants to buy a new coat. The coat costs $50. Angie decides that instead of trying to earn $50 all at once, she will make ten goals that will help her reach her big goal. She makes a goal of earning $5. If she earns $5 ten times, she will reach her big goal of $50!

Beavers are builders. Look through the newspaper for examples of things people build. What are the kinds of jobs people do to build things?

How can Angie earn $5? Put a check in the box next to each of Angieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobs. If you checked the right boxes, they add up to exactly $5.

Standards Link: Use the newspaper to locate information.

If Angie can earn $5 per week and save the money, how long until she will have enough money to buy the coat?

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle awards first grant to 805UndocuFund Group was formed earlier this year to help Latino-led nonprofits Staff Report

n our most difficult moments, we lean on what makes us strong. For the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC), a local group of 15 community members connected through philanthropy, that means leaning into their culture, generosity and community. The SBLGC was formed early this year to address the philanthropic inequity for Latino-led nonprofits. It is one of 23 giving circles across California that partners with the Latino Community Foundation. The SBLGC has given its first grant to 805 UndocuFund. According to its website, 805 UndocuFund “is a collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families who are excluded from federally funded safety net programs; that have been economically impacted by the loss of their homes, wages, and/or employment due to disasters in our community like wildfires, mudslides, and the coronavirus.” “We are grateful for Santa Barbara’s Latino Giving Circle generous donation made to the 805 UndocuFund,” said Eder Gaona-Mace-

Photo contributed The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle invests in leaders and organizations that are creating opportunities for Latinos to achieve their fullest potential.

do, steering committee member with the 805 UndocuFund. “The local Latino Giving Circle’s commitment to support Latino-led nonprofits is a step towards to address philanthropic inequities.” SBLGC says it is committed to paying it forward and taking civic action as the members know commitment to family and community is inherent in their culture, and this has the power to change the destiny of our youth.

The organization says that while Latinos make up 37 percent of California’s population, only 1.1 percent of philanthropic dollars’ support Latino nonprofits and even less (0.4 percent) support organizations that advocate for immigrants and refugees. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the group informed each other about the ways in which the virus impacted our communities. According to the SBLGC the COVID-19 pandemic

exposed economic inequities tremendously affected Latino families throughout Santa Barbara County. From layoffs, lack of healthcare and childcare, to concerns over rent and food, Latino families bear the brunt of COVID-19. SBLGC said immigrants and Latinos are keeping our nation alive, fed and resourced during this crisis, and deserve to have strong institutions that are invested in their health and success. “We have to support families during this difficult time and also strengthen the organizations who will continue to advocate for the wellbeing of our communities long after COVID-19,” said Arcelia Sención, Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle member. The Latino Community Foundation is on a mission to unleash the power of Latinos in California by investing in Latino-led organizations dedicated to the transformation of their communities. LCF has the largest network of Latino philanthropists in the country and has invested millions of dollars in improving the livelihood of Latino families. It is the only statewide foundation solely focused on investing in Latino youth and families in California. To learn more, visit https://latinocf.org/. For more about the SBLGC, email Latinogivingcircle@gmail.com.

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

French macaron: Are you ready for this cookie challenge? By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

f you like a challenge and you have lots of patience, this cookie is for you! I’m only half kidding. Lately, I love locking myself away in the kitchen and really concentrating on making something special (not to mention adorably edible) like this. I’m also not adverse to “oohs and ahs” from my kids. This is why I decided to tackle this notoriously finicky traditional French pastry. This is a basic vanilla recipe, you can zhuzh it up any way you please with extracts in the cookies and/or fillings. I even made a root-beer flavored one with some unsweetened drink powder (no idea why I had that in the first place). Most macaron recipes are by weight because precision is really important in baking, I’ve found that I get pretty consistent results with the following volume measurements and it’s not such a big bother. The best things about these is that even the “flops” taste pretty darn good, so grab a bag of superfine almond flour and get baking!

Ingredients n 1 ¾ Cups powdered sugar n 1 C Superfine Almond flour n 3 (extra large) egg whites (room temperature) n ¼ tsp cream of tartar n ¼ tsp salt n ¼ C granulated sugar n 1 tsp vanilla

Special Equipment n Stand/hand mixer with whisk attachment n Piping bag n Baking Paper (parchment)

Photo by Vida Gustafson Tackle this notoriously finicky, traditional French pastry for a tasty treat.

Method

Separate your egg whites from the yolks and put them in a large mixing bowl with the ¼ cup of granulated sugar, set it aside to come to room temperature. If you have a copper bowl, this is the time to break it out. Remember, we are making a meringue so the bowl and beaters have to be spotlessly clean or it will fail. In another bowl sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together, removing any lumps or larger pieces of almond. Whisk your egg whites and sugar until frothy and add the salt, cream of tartar

and vanilla flavoring. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add half of the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture and fold in, when this is incorporated, add the rest of your dry ingredients. This is a good time to add gel food coloring. The mixture will seem dry at first and then start to loosen up, keep mixing. You have to reach the stage where it looks wet and falls off the spatula in “ribbons”, leaving a little trail when you make a figure-8 with the falling batter.

Spoon batter into a piping bag and pipe 1 ½ -2 ‘’ round cookies on your parchment sheets. Try to keep them pretty consistent because every cookie will need a mate. I find using a ¼ inch pastry tip and holding the tip steady while squeezing gives a nice uniform shape. When your cookie is the size you want, flick the piping bag sideways to avoid giving it a pointy shape. When you are done forming your cookies, lift the sheetpan(s) and hit it on the counter repeatedly until the bubbles have burst and the cookies have spread out. This should also eliminate any surface irregularities that may have formed during piping. Now we have to let them dry for 1540 minutes, depending on the humidity where you are. The tops of the cookies have to be dry enough not to stick your finger when you touch them gently. Preheat the oven to 300° F and bake for 14-17 minutes, until the cookies have a little ruffle around the bottom and the tops are hard but not browned. Baking one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven helps keep them from cracking and splitting. If the look of them is not that big of a deal to you, bake them all at once- they’ll still be tasty. Let them cool on the counter completely before removing them from the parchment or they may stick or break. Now you get to fill them with whatever your heart desires and your pantry allows. You can whip up your favorite buttercream icing, melt some chocolate with cream (in a 2:1 ratio) for a decadent ganache or mix melted chocolate with some peanut butter. You can use a little bit of jam or Nutella if all that seems like too much fuss. Be sure to take pictures because these disappear fast. They also make an excellent gift. If it didn’t turn out exactly the way you hoped, don’t give up, your hard work will inevitably pay off!

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Picnic in the Park to offer lunch daily during summer Foodbank offers free meals for kids 18 and under five days a week Staff Report

he Foodbank of Santa Barbara County will host the children’s summer lunch program, Picnic in the Park, offering free healthy lunches for kids 18 and under Monday through Friday from June 8 to Aug. 7 (June 16 to Aug. 14 in Carpinteria) at 10 locations countywide. Due to COVID-19 safety recommendations, lunches will be offered “Grab & Go”style, for pickup and eating off-site. Lunches are served on a first-come first-served basis as part of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and there are no income requirements to participate. All children under the age of 18 are encouraged to attend. (See below for details on locations and times.) Community members who wish to provide meals to children facing hunger during the summer may donate and sign up to volunteer at www.FoodbankSBC. org. Thanks to the Foodbank’s partnership with No Kid Hungry, information about all locations where children can receive free lunch this summer may be found by texting “SUMMERFOOD” to 877877 and entering an address to find the nearest lunch locations. Details are also available at the app CA Meals for Kids and at foodbanksbc.org. Picnic in the Park locations —at easily accessible parks, libraries and churches — are operated by volunteers who provide lunches and help ensure kids are protected from community transmission of coronavirus through the use of sanitizer, physical distancing and the use of PPE among adults and

Photo contributed The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is hosting Picnic in the Park, offering free healthy lunches for kids 18 and under Monday through Friday from June 8 to Aug. 7.

volunteers. Volunteers are needed to serve lunches in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and commit to either an entire week or one day weekly for two hours around noontime. More details about volunteering can be found below. The Foodbank is working this year with Revolution Foods to provide fresh, plant-rich, kid-friendly lunches prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunches include whole fruits, veggies and milk daily. Sample entrées include chicken picnic salad, turkey wraps, flatbread pizza and sliders.

Picnic in the Park locations in the South County include: n Santa Barbara Public Library, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 40 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara n Carpinteria Middle School, 12:301:30 p.m., 5351 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria n Canalino School, 12:30-1:30 p.m., 1480 Linden Ave., Carpinteria Picnic in the Park locations in the North County include: n Arrellanes Jr. High School, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1890 Sandalwood Dr., Santa Maria n Tunnell Park, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., 1100 N. Palisade Dr., Santa Maria

n Minami Park, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 600 W. Enos Dr., Santa Maria n Grogan Park, 12-1 p.m., 1155 W. Rancho Verde, Santa Maria n St. Anthony Church, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., 270 Helena St., Los Alamos n Solvang Elementary School, 12:15-1:15 p.m., 565 Atterdag Rd, Solvang Though group activities at the locations are prohibited due to COVID-19 restrictions, activity books and online nutrition education will be available to children who participate in Picnic in the Park. The Foodbank is currently seeking volunteers in both North and South Counties to help us manage lunch sites between June 8 and Aug. 7 in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, and between June 16 and Aug. 14 in Carpinteria. Ideal Site Volunteers: n Are able to commit – as an individual or organization – to at least one two-hour lunch shift per week or for a week of lunches at a time (ex: come every Wednesday or pick a week and come Monday through Friday) to provide continuity. n Available for approximately two hours, start to finish, during lunchtime on weekdays during the summer. n Willing to undergo a brief criminal background check and able to complete an online training prior to their first shift. Individuals interested in volunteering, visit: foodbanksbc.org/give-help/ volunteer/ Picnic in the Park is sponsored by Altrusa International, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Central Coast Agriculture, Inc., Chevron, Crown Point Vineyards, Save Mart Supermarkets, and hundreds of generous individual donors.

SUMMERSET FARM Get Outside & Pick Your Own Berries Make Summerset Farm your destination for the very best in pesticide and herbicide free produce. Pick your own luscious berries with friends and family, a true farm experience. Select the freshest possible veggies, gathered from our fields each morning.

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Photo contributed Santa Barbara County's vineyards, such as Star Lane-Dierberg Vineyards' Sta. Rita Hills property along Drum Canyon Road, continue to show healthy growth as the 2020 vintage inches toward harvest.

Local vintners, Direct Relief donate $200K to Community Health Partners By Laurie Jervis

n an effort to bolster the local fight against COVID-19 and continue to support Santa Barbara County’s farmworkers, the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation and Direct Relief have gifted $200,000 to Community Health Partners of the Central Coast. The Santa Barbara Wine Auction, which took place Feb. 15, united a special partnership between the wine industry and the nonprofit sector. The Santa Barbara Vintners, Direct Relief and Community Health Centers each share the common mission to support humanitarian health assistance for people in need both locally and globally – especially during the fight against COVID-19. CHC has stepped up to meet the challenges of the pandemic in the Central Coast, but its clinics have been stretched thin, and it’s been short on staff, medical supplies and protective equipment. “This generous gift will literally save lives – it’s that simple,” said Ron Castle, CEO of CHC. “Our clinics are on the health care front line.” For 20 years, the Vintners Foundation has been active in sustaining and expanding Direct Relief’s health assistance for people in need, both locally and globally. “Our goal with the 2020 Wine Auction was to serve as a bridge and bring together and support the important works of Direct Relief and CHC,” said Jessica Gasca, president of the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation. The biennial Santa Barbara Wine Auction has evolved through the years with the partnership of the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, Direct Relief and Community Health Centers. The 2020 Wine Auction marked the11th year of uniting to boost the community.

Kevin Travis Joins Star Lane, Dierberg Vineyards

Star Lane and Dierberg Vineyards have hired Kevin Travis as vice president of sales

and marketing. In the role, Travis will oversee the sales and marketing efforts, including wholesale and retail sales. He will report to Tyler Thomas, president and director of winemaking. Travis brings extensive sales and leadership experience to Star Lane and Dierberg. Most recently, he was brand manager for Buccella, a Napa Valley winery. Before Buccella, Travis served in a general manager or beverage director role for a variety of top-flight restaurants in Los Angeles and Hawaii. “Kevin will play a crucial role in expanding the reach and awareness of Star Lane and Dierberg beyond our current enthusiast and loyal customer base,” Thomas said. “He brings exceptional knowledge of the market and a skill set to grow our sales to fulfill our founders’ goal to produce some of the best wines in the country and recognized around the world for their quality.”

Buellton Brew Fest Postponed

Earlier this month, organizers of the Buellton Brew Fest postponed the event a second time (from the original May date, to July, to September). It is now scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 — Labor Day weekend. The ninth annual event will once again be held at River View Park in Buellton. More than 55 craft breweries, wineries, and Kombucha and spirit producers will be on hand. Will Breman, a finalist on “The Voice,” Lompoc’s Richie Rey and DJ Hecktic! will provide the music, and a variety of food trucks and vendors will have food for sale. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. River View Park is located at 151 Sycamore Drive in Buellton.

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Head Start plans countywide classroom reopening Staff Report

riday, March 13, of this year was suddenly the last day of school for the 894 children that attend preschool through the Children’s Services program at Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC). Immediately after the weekend, beginning March 16, the 250 teachers and staff members for the core program Head Start and CAC’s other educational programs for young children began instruction again – albeit not in the classroom. Learning at home is accomplished with front door drop-offs of school supplies, art projects and activities as well as phone calls and texts to students’ families with weekly lesson plans. If a computer with wi-fi is available in a student’s home, then remote learning with Zoom technology is also utilized. Head Start has always stressed the importance of parent involvement, encouraging and provide training to parents to be actively involved in child’s education, to be their child’s advocate. Since mid-March, preschool educators have provided at-home teaching tips and activities – such as a recipe for making playdough – to adults caring for young children enrolled in the program. “On July 6, we plan to reopen all 24 of our preschool centers from Guadalupe to Cuyama to Carpinteria,” said Lorraine Neenan, CAC Children’s Services Program Director. “Initially we will open for those students in our full-time, fullyear Head Start program, followed by an August 16 opening of all programs for a full start of the 2020/21 school year.” The preschool programs include Full Time/Full Year Head Start, Part Time/ Part Year Head Start, and Early Head Start for infants and toddlers, as well as

Photo contributed Preschoolers at home in Santa Maria make play dough from a recipe and supplies provided by a Head Start teacher.

California State Preschool and Child Development Services. A healthy breakfast, lunch and nutritious snacks are provided Monday through Friday to all students. “In working towards this July 6 reopen date for the 3- to 5-year-olds in Head Start full-day, full-time, we are preparing for 10 students per classroom instead of the usual 17 to 20 students,” Neenan said. “We will have the extra classrooms to accomplish this since the part-time, part-day students won’t yet be returning. It’s not yet clear how many students will be returning, or how many new enrollees we might have when we reopen.” Current high unemployment in the county means more parents will qualify to enroll their young children in the preschool program for low-income families.

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Conversely, unemployment can mean parents will stay home with their previously-enrolled young children – perhaps they no longer have transportation to the preschool centers. “Some families might be afraid of sending their kids back-to-school,” Neenan added. There are many health precautions that are being implemented or considered at Head Start classrooms in Santa Barbara County, including: n requiring teachers, staff and parents (anyone over the age of 13) to wear masks while at the preschool centers; masks for pre-school children will not be required n taking temperatures (with non-contact infrared thermometer) of students,

Lana Clark Schutz

teachers, staff, parents and any visitors daily upon arrival to preschool centers n no longer serving breakfast, lunch and snacks “family-style”; nutritious meals will now be individually pre-plated and plastic-wrapped n handwashing in the classroom by children, teachers and staff has always been important at Head Start but now even more so n no longer allowing items from home, such as blankets and stuffed animals, in the classroom; possibly providing children with blankets for in-classroom use that are cleaned/sanitized daily n creating anti-virus barriers between cots for naptime n allowing only 10 children on the playground at a one time At Head Start, every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. Children participate in indoor and outdoor play and are introduced to the concepts of words and numbers to ensure they are ready for kindergarten. They are encouraged to express their feelings, and to develop self-confidence and the ability to get along with others. During weekly phone calls since the health crisis, preschoolers have expressed their sadness and anxiety to their Head Start teachers. “I miss my teachers. I miss my friends. Who’s feeding the fish?” is a typical refrain. Families interested in the Head Start program can call 805-964-885 ext. #1194. More information is available at www. cacsb.org or on Facebook

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

SYHS preparing for two-day on-campus fall schedule Board hopes school can run on regular slate before year starts By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Board of Education decided to move forward with preparing with splitting the students into two groups, alternating days on campus two days a week in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. “Our hope is that we will be at Stage 4 with all kids on campus before August, but we have to have a plan in case that cannot happen,” Superintendent Scott Cory said. In order for the campus to even reopen, the board had to come up with a plan that allowed for social distancing. The plan in the board packet proposed a schedule outline where students would be divided into groups and then given a day for 100-minute block classes, but were staggered so one group would only be on campus once in eight days. Cory said when newly hired Principal Michele Borgess looked at it, she offered an alternative simplified plan, and Cory said the faculty association was looking it over as well. Borgess’ proposed plan is to have staff development on Mondays and then split the students into two groups and alternate two days a week on campus. Board member Dr. John Baeke said he is opposed limiting students to two days a week and said the kids are responsible enough to make good decisions about keeping socially distanced in the hallways.

“We are not making use of three of the greatest assets our district owns, the new gymnasium, old gymnasium and Little Theater,” Baeke said. “We could easily with our grant monies be purchasing temporary, soundproof walls and place them strategically in the gymnasiums, and have large class simultaneously taught with portable chalkboards or dry erase boards. I doubt our drama is utilizing the theater every hour of every day, and there an opportunity to classes meet there five days a week.” The high school’s nurse, Miranda Burford, said she wasn’t in favor of having all kids on campus because it isn’t the issue of the kids in the classroom, it’s the transfer between classes that is most concerning. “When everyone is on campus having 900 students in the hallway can easily spread,” she said. “Every student has to have their temperature checked and screened before coming onto campus.” Burford added one asymptomatic can infect a large amount of people in a day as they pass each other back and forth, and half the campus could be infected and infect more after the students go home to family members. “One of the big things I want to make aware of is our numbers are going up,” she said. Santa Barbara County Public Health has seen an increase in positivity numbers as its testing is now more widely available. As of June 24, there have been 2,590 positive cases with 2,057 fully recovered. Additionally, there have been 27 deaths associated with COVID-19. In the Santa Ynez Valley, there have been 17 positive cases, with 12 fully recovered. Cory said there are more issues than just

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the students walking between classes to take into account, such as transportation and staff concerns. He also added that he was just made aware of a sudden reversal by the California Department of Public Health, which has removed language from its guidance that was widely interpreted as exempting schools from a mandate requiring the use of masks. As a result of this change, the new consensus is that students, with some limited exceptions, and staff must wear masks, or face shields, while in school facilities. “We know this isn’t ideal, and our goal is to have kids on campus all days because as I’ve said before the economy isn’t fully open until schools are fully open. We have to have some sort of plan,” Cory said. The board directed Cory to pursue one of the two options with the faculty association and there would have to be a special meeting called in July to get board approval. There was also a new position created to help with students that are not able or willing to come back due to COVID-19. The Teacher on Special Assignment position will create, develop, implement and oversee an Independent Study program for the district in order to retain students that would not attend school otherwise due to health and safety concerns. “Typically, we take a year to create the program, but we don’t have the luxury of that in this case,” Cory said. “If we don’t offer something for Independent Study, we risk losing those students to other options.” There are also several new teachers that are being hired, including two social studies teachers, an automotive shop teacher, a guidance counselor, a health science teacher and a

health and wellness coordinator. “We got some top-notch people and will have some great things happening in the classrooms as a result of this,” Cory said. The budget for the school remains fluid as well because of unknowns like exact property tax payments, which the school is being conservative in estimating at a 2.5 percent increase, but are projecting closer to 4 percent. The budget also took into account a reduction in state and federal funding of 10 percent per Gov. Gavin Newsome’s most recent budget proposal, said Business Office Manager Elysia Lewis. “Despite that, we are looking as the budget showing that the district is able to meet its minimum state required reserve levels for all three years and is therefore positively certified,” Lewis explained. The 2020-21 budget shows revenues and other financing sources at $13.22 million and expenditures at $13.53 million, which is a deficit of $312,560, but projecting for two years out shows a surplus of $40,347 in 2021-22, and $115,059 in 2022-23, conservatively. “These figures are subject to change given that even though we are in a tough economic position, the real estate sector is still healthy and strong which is a good place to be in,” Cory said. The full meeting can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8tjXCItZLw and the packet can be viewed at https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/syvuhsd/ Board.nsf/Public.

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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

Cruise Los Alamos celebrates Olga Reed graduates By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

or the 11th straight Saturday, “Cruise Los Alamos” participants gathered in a parade of cars in an effort to raise the spirits of all who are sequestered in their homes. But on Saturday, June 6, the cruise took on a special flavor – it was in honor of the 2020 graduating class of Olga Reed School. At 5:30 p.m. cars were lined up on Bell Street, down Helena Street and around the corner on Leslie Street. Upwards of 75 cars, most of which gaily decorated with balloons and streamers, enlarged photos of graduating students, names painted on car windows, and signs congratulating the graduating class of 2020 of Olga Reed School. Prizes, courtesy of Cathy Collins Le Blanc and Collins Market were awarded to the Best Decorated cars in the parade, first prize going to Debbie and Chris Waugh, local residents whose car was decorated like a giant cap and gown. The students were seated in chairs festooned with balloons, down the middle of Centennial Street anxiously awaiting the celebration. DJ Orlando provided the music for the occasion. He said, “Just provide me with a generator and I am happy to do it for free.” At 6 p.m. sharp, the motorcade, bedecked with congratulatory signs and smiling well-wishers, began their ride up Centennial Street passing slowly by the line of seated graduates, honking their horns, and waving, acknowledging the students for their achievements. After the first congratulatory drive-by, the cortege made a U-turn at Olga Reed School and came back down Centennial, allowing parents to pick up their children and join in the parade through

Photos contributed The Best Decorated car in the Cruise Los Alamos parade went to Debbie and Chris Waugh, local residents whose car was decorated like a giant cap and gown.

The cars were gaily decorated with balloons and streamers, enlarged photos of graduating students, names painted on car windows, and signs congratulating the graduating class of 2020 of Olga Reed School.

The students were seated in chairs festooned with balloons, down the middle of Centennial Street anxiously awaiting the celebration.

town. The uninterrupted line of cars then weaved its way through the small streets of Los Alamos.

People cheered and waved from the sidewalks along the route, applauding and shouting their

good wishes to the graduates. “It was a very special evening in our little town of Los Alamos. After nearly three months of weekly ‘Cruising Los Alamos,’ this was truly remarkable and deeply meaningful for so many as together, we celebrated the Olga Reed School Graduating Class of 2020,” said Michael Nicola, organizer of the weekly cruises. “It was obviously different from what was traditional, hoped for, by the 23 grads but WOW, was it ever special and we suspect the uniqueness will be spoken of for many years to come. “It was moving, literally and, emotionally. These wonderful young people had expected to be forgotten with all that is going on right now and instead, they were honored with the whole town turning out to say ‘Congratulations’ and to send them on their way. It was magic.” “The car parade for our eighth-grade graduates was a real team effort. All I had to do was to toss the idea out there and the whole town jumped in,” said Laura Beas Diaz, organizer of the graduation event. “We had so many donations for our gift bags, it was amazing. And everyone who decorated their cars, it just made it so special. I hope this will be a treasured memory for our kids, knowing that everybody pulled together to honor and recognize them. I think we can honestly say that Los Alamos rose to the occasion in a truly spectacular way,” Working with Beas-Diaz and her family to create the event were Silvia Crystal De Alba, Ruby Teran-Laso and her family, Gloria Diffenderfer, Jeanine Brooks and Janilen Diaz. They collected donations and put together gift bags full of goodies and gift certificates which were presented at the beginning of the event. There were custom cupcakes made by Dawn Peters and Decadence Bakery.

HOUSING FOR ALL

The Santa Ynez Valley Association of REALTORS® and its members recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as their commitment to offering equal professional service to ALL clients in their search for real property.

We’re all in this TOGETHER.

Please contact your local REALTOR® if you have any real estate questions or issues.

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July 7 - July 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

Solvang student raising funds for multicultural crayons, books Madison Wilson planning to donate materials to local schools Staff Report

Solvang Elementary School student is raising funds to donate multicultural crayons and books to local schools and started with her own school. Madison Wilson, wished there were crayons that represented all colors of Photo contributed skin so children could accurately draw Crayola is releasing its "Colors of the World" collection in July. themselves in school. Madison learned that Crayola will be releasing a 24-pack of multicultural crayons in July called Colors of the World. Immediately Madison asked her mom, Vashti Wilson, if they could raise money to donate these crayons to her school. However, she didn’t want to stop at crayons. By purchasing books from local bookstores, Madison plans to donate multicultural books to her school as well. She met her goal of raising $3,000 before her deadline of June 30. Since her initial goal is achieved, Madison hopes to continue to raise funds for other Santa Ynez Valley schools. Her Solvang student Madison Wilson, who is raising funds to donate Crayola's "Colors of the World" collection and multicultural fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe books to local schools.

by visiting bit.ly/madisonsfundraiser. An avid reader, one of Madison’s favorite books is “The Big Bed” by Bunmi Laditan. “It’s really funny,” she said. “My goal is to donate 500 books with all sorts of main characters.” Thanks to a flood of donations during the weekend of Juneteenth (June 19), Madison was able to raise $2,620 in just three days. Madison feels confident she will be able to donate to additional local schools. Madison’s mom explains what it was like growing up without a lot of representation of African Americans in her school books. “My favorite books growing up had blue-eyed, blonde girls in it and I had a difficult time finding many books that represented people that look like me,” Vashti Wilson said. “I want my daughter and other children of color to grow up with characters and role models that inspire them to reach their goals.” Wilson is glad her daughter is already making that a reality in the Santa Ynez Valley. Updates to this story are online at www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Ballard student wins Battle of the Books online Staff Report

ecently 160 students had the opportunity to compete in the 19th Annual Battle of the Books – online. Team #23, Where the Books Meet the Moon, earned the top honors and received T-shirts for its victory while Team #11, The Page Turners, earned the runner-up spot, walking away with autographed books. Grace Sugich from Ballard School was the first-place winner for the individual competition, winning the overall competition with 45,351 total points. The stimulating competition was held virtually, and fourth- to sixth-grade students from over 40 schools in Santa Barbara County participated. “We were thrilled to be able to honor the hard work, tenacity, and perseverance of the students while allowing them to have an invigorating competitive literary experience as is typically done in our annual Battle of the Books,” said County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. Throughout the year, students, with the support of coaches and parents, read as many of the books on the 2020 Book List as possible, preparing to answer questions about the books in competition “battles.” Each student was appointed to a team with four or five students from

different schools. This gives each participant the opportunity to make new friends, collaborate under pressure and learn teamwork. Prior to competition day, each team created an online battle shield with a creative or clever name. The competition includes three rounds in which the students answer multiple-choice questions. As an example, a question might be, “In what book does a character cast a spell of invisibility to help them run away?” (Answer: “Dealing with Dragons”) The event culminates in a final battle between the two teams that have acquired the most points during the day’s earlier rounds. Guest author Valerie Hobbs read the questions in this year’s final battle. Pulling off a complex event was a logistical feat, but the students and their volunteer coaches took advantage of the multiple online practice sessions provided by SBCEO to insure everyone was comfortable in the online format. Students rose to the challenge and enjoyed the opportunity to share their knowledge and interact with each other. To get the book list for the 2021 Battle of the Books, go to https://www.sbceo.org/cms/ lib/CA50000560/Centricity/Domain/144/ 2021BoB%20book%20list.pdf

Avery makes spring Dean's List at Georgia Tech

Savannah Avery of Solvang made the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester. One of the nation’s leading research universities, the Georgia Institute of Technology has more than 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Newton graduates from USD

Emma Newton of Santa Ynez graduated from the University of San Diego at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The University of San Diego is a Catholic university

with more than 9,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states and is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States.

Hinkens graduates from Boise State Connor Hinkens of Solvang graduated with an entrepreneurship management BBA from Boise State University on May 9. Hinkens was among nearly 2,800 students eligible for degrees. Boise State celebrated its achievements with the university’s first-ever virtual commencement ceremony on May 9. Watch the full commencement ceremony, along with shout-out videos from students and faculty, at boisestate.edu/ commencement.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 7 - July 20, 2020

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800 E HIGHWAY 246, SOLVANG 60± acs • $4,995,000 C. Hanssen / B. Ellingsberg, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277 / 01029715

7055 FOXEN CANYON RD, LOS ALAMOS 3BD/3½BA+office; 100± acs • $3,650,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

3169 MONTECIELO DR, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3½BA; 13±acs • $2,995,000 Brett Ellingsberg, 805.729.4334 LIC# 01029715

2879 TAPADERO RD, LOS OLIVOS 4BD/3BA • $1,999,999 Nina Stormo, 805.729.4754 LIC# 01341678

2601 BASELINE AVE, BALLARD 4BD/4BA • $1,995,000 Nina Stormo, 805.729.4754 LIC# 01341678

11500 SUEY CREEK RD, SANTA MARIA 344±acs • $1,380,000 Brad Berch, 805.680.9415 LIC# 01244576

1135 EDISON ST, SANTA YNEZ 3BD/3BA • $1,174,995 Glynnis Mullenary, 805.705.5206 LIC# 01748187

465 BELL ST, LOS ALAMOS Commercial • $995,000 Brett Ellingsberg, 805.729.4334 LIC# 01029715

2626 JANIN WY, SOLVANG 4BD/3BA; 1±acs • $965,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

869 ALISAL RD, SOLVANG 3BD/2½BA • $925,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496

2770 CANADA ESTE RD, SANTA YNEZ 20.03±acs • $895,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277

633 LILLEBAKKE CT, SOLVANG 4BD/3½BA • $889,000 Jamie Jo Sim, 805.689.5799 LIC# 01234347

411 OAK HILL TERR, VANDENBERG VILLAGE

136 SIERRA VISTA, SOLVANG 2BD/2BA • $385,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496

330 W HIGHWAY 246#37, BUELLTON 2BD/2BA • $333,900 Joe Ramos, 805.680.6849 LIC# 02040488

330 W HIGHWAY 246#167, BUELLTON 3BD/2BA • $249,500 Joe Ramos, 805.680.6849 LIC# 02040488

4BD/3BA • $775,000 B. Cloud / N. Stormo, 805.901.1156 LIC# 01772551 / 01341678

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